Words by Peri Roberts
Cold hands end sessions early. They reduce grip, slow reaction time and make even the best conditions harder to enjoy. Gloves might seem like a simple accessory, but choosing the right pair plays a big role in comfort, control and confidence on the water.
Prolimit’s glove lineup is built around real conditions riders face. From mild shoulder-season sessions to full winter riding. Rather than focusing purely on thickness, the range balances warmth, dexterity, grip, and sealing – depending on how and where you ride.
How to Choose the Right Gloves
Before looking at specific models, it helps to understand what actually makes a glove work. Water temperature is more important than air temperature, as cold water drains heat quickly. Thickness adds warmth, but it also reduces feel, so the goal is always to use the thinnest glove that still keeps your hands warm.
Fit matters just as much. Gloves that are too loose allow water to flush through, while overly tight gloves restrict blood flow. Seam construction, palm grip and wrist closure all affect how warm and functional a glove feels once you’re riding.
With that in mind, here’s how the Prolimit glove range breaks down.
Everyday Use: Balanced Warmth and Feel
Designed for everyday riding in cool to moderate conditions, the Curved Finger Utility gloves offer a balance between insulation and dexterity. The pre-curved finger shape reduces hand fatigue and improves grip, making them a solid all-round option for riders who want warmth without losing too much bar or boom feel.
Cold Water: Extra Insulation for Longer Sessions
When water temperatures drop, sealing becomes more important than thickness alone. The Gloves Sealed focus on reducing water entry through taped seams and a secure wrist closure. They’re suited to colder sessions where keeping water out makes a noticeable difference in warmth and comfort.
Extreme Cold: Maximum Heat Retention
In very cold conditions, mittens outperform traditional gloves by reducing exposed surface area. The Open Palm Xtreme mittens prioritise warmth while maintaining direct contact with the bar or boom. They’re designed for riders who value heat retention above all else when conditions are harsh.
Premium Cold-Water Riding: Layered Warmth
For riders spending extended time in cold water, the Polar 2-Layer gloves offer increased insulation through layered construction and sealed seams. This model is built for winter conditions where maintaining warmth over long sessions matters more than minimal feel.
Warm Conditions: Light Protection and Grip
Not every session calls for insulation. Summer and utility gloves are designed for warm water riding, offering light protection against abrasion while improving grip. These are a practical option for long sessions, paddle sports, or riding in tropical conditions.
Choosing the Right Pair
There’s no single “best” glove – only the right glove for the conditions you ride in. Matching water temperature, session length and riding style to the correct glove will keep your hands warmer, your grip stronger, and your sessions longer.
